Entertainment

VENICE, Italy (AFP) -- British actor Jude Law said Sunday he became an "obsessive" watcher of Vladimir Putin as he prepared for his role as the Russian leader in his new film "The Wizard of the Kremlin" which premieres later at the Venice Film Festival.

Law, 52, bears an uncanny resemblance to Putin, aping his scowl and distinctive walking style in the film by French director Olivier Assayas which charts the rise of the former intelligence officer.

"There's a lot of footage one could watch and, personally when I start going down that rabbit hole, it becomes sort of obsessive," he told a press conference. "You're looking for ever more, newer material."

He said portraying Putin had been a challenge because of his famously deadpan expression.

"The tricky side to me was that the public face that we see (of Putin), we see very, very little," Law added. "There's this mask."

Law insisted he had not aimed for an "impersonation" of Putin and credited the likeness to "an amazing makeup and hair team."

Assayas insisted he wanted Law "to appropriate the character" and become "a vessel for what he represents."

The movie, which runs for two and a half hours, is an exhaustive look at Putin's career muzzling political opponents, cowing oligarchs, and enriching his entourage, told through the eyes of a fictional political advisor, Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano.

It is based a top-selling book of the same name by Italian author Giuliano da Empoli.

Assayas said it was first and foremost a story about authoritarianism, with Russia's transition from a chaotic democracy in the late 1990s to Putin's modern autocracy a warning for the West.

"We made a movie about what politics has become and the very scary and dangerous situation we all feel we are in," he explained.

- Jarmusch return -
"The Wizard of the Kremlin" is one of 21 films competing for the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, a key platform for international launches, which runs until Saturday.

Other highlights on Sunday include the premiere of "Father Mother Sister Brother", the latest film from independent American director Jim Jarmusch, with a stellar cast that include Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver and American singer Tom Waits.

The "Broken Flowers" director has called it "a kind of anti-action film", featuring three separate dysfunctional families in conversation in the rural north-east of the United States, Dublin and Paris.

Saturday saw Mexican director Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water") deliver a new and big-budget adaptation of "Frankenstein" starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his creation.

The film's rich visuals and performances impressed The Hollywood Reporter which called the Netflix-funded production "epic-scale storytelling of uncommon beauty, feeling and artistry".

Not everyone was convinced, however, with "Variety" saying the film "cost more than 'Titanic' and still looks like it was made for TV".

- Gaza -
Other in-competition films that have made a mark so far in Venice include Yorgos Lanthimos's darkly satirical "Bugonia" starring Oscar-winner Emma Stone, about two conspiracy-obsessed misfits who kidnap a pharmaceutical company CEO.

Opening night feature "La Grazia" by Italy's Paolo Sorrentino about an Italian president grappling with indecision about euthanasia drew plaudits, as has compatriot Gianfranco Rosi's sumptuous black-and-white documentary about Naples.

On the sidelines of the festival on Saturday, several thousand protesters marched against Israel's siege of Gaza in a demonstration called by left-wing political groups in northeast Italy.

The Gaza war was one of the main talking points in the lead up to the festival due to an open letter denouncing the Israeli government and calling on the festival to speak out more forcefully.

Much anticipated is Wednesday's premiere of "The Voice of Hind Rajab" about the real-life killing of a six-year-old Palestinian girl in Gaza by Israeli forces last year.

Directed by Franco-Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania, the production has attracted heavyweight Hollywood support from Brad Pitt, Jonathan Glazer and Joaquin Phoenix who have joined as executive producers, according to reports.

When the eighth edition of the annual Love & Harmony Cruise sets sail from April 1-6 next year, ministers Carlene Davis and Marion Hall will bring the word of the Lord to the proceedings.

A special gospel concert at sea will bring an added spiritual and celebratory dimension to the staging of the series which traditionally is a cornerstone for lovers of Caribbean music and culture.

Affectionately known as Harmonizers, guests will sail for six days and five nights aboard a luxurious cruise ship departing from Miami, Florida, with stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

According to the organisers, patrons can expect non-stop entertainment, themed parties, comedy, domino tournaments, and unforgettable live performances from a line-up that never disappoints.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday, Davis shared what she is looking forward to most at the event.

“Amazingly, I recorded the song Love and Harmony in 1982 [second place winner in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission [JCDC] Festival Song Competition] and I am now going on a cruise titled Love & Harmony in such a time where I’m more conscious that true love and harmony come through the acceptance of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am looking forward to the coming together of our people at the Love & Harmony Cruise,” said Davis.

She shared that her performance will be focused on taking a message to the people on the cruise.

“The message [is] love, hope, and purpose in spite of who you are. There is joy in serving and knowing Christ, to know Christ and let him be known,” said Davis, who added she believes that the message of the Lord is reaching the ears of the people. “Yes, the message of Jesus Christ is. Doing this cruise is a testament to that. It shows that there is a revival going on, and our prayers are being answered and bringing the gospel to this cruise is embracing the message and blessings of our creator.”

Asked what more can be done to win souls for the Lord, Davis said: “I have been praying and continue to pray and believe for more opportunities to spread the gospel and remind people that ‘Jesus loves you.’ I have had a long history with Beres Hammond; back in the day we did a lot of work together, Beres did backing vocals on several of my studio recordings. Today he is a leading, highly respected ambassador for our music, culture, and country; and when he invited me to bring the gospel to his event Love & Harmony Cruise I embrace [the belief] and hope that I will make a significant impact. We are going to have a joyful experience, a great time to fellowship, dance, sing, and praise the Lord for there is joy in serving the Lord.”

Minister Marion Hall, for her part, said that she is looking forward to winning souls for the kingdom of the Lord.

“I’m looking to win souls for the kingdom, I’m looking to baptise people right there on spot in the name of Jesus, while taking a message to the people that’s titled ‘The Time is Now’. Seek ye the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and everything else will be added on to you,” said Hall.

She concurs with Davis that the message is reaching the ears of the intended audience.

“Yes, I believe the message is reaching the people, but not as we would hope for. A lot of people call themselves pastors but they are not appointed by God. All we can do is sow the seeds and pray that it takes root and people start bearing fruit,” said Minister Hall.

Recording artiste Kiara kicked off the month of August in a major way, with the release of her new album The Odyssey.

Produced by Jaime Hinckson, the project was officially released on August 1.

With eight tracks in total, she is currently promoting two singles — My Guy and Get To Know You.

“The inspiration for My Guy emerged primarily from the instrumental; its rhythm and melody naturally evoked emotions that made the writing process feel effortless. Once the music set the tone, the lyrics flowed easily, drawing from a shared human experience. Get To Know You was one of the first songs written for the album. The chorus came to me early on, and I instantly connected with it, even though the story wasn’t based on a real-life situation at the time. Still, the emotions behind it are definitely something I’ve experienced, and I believe many others have as well,” the singer said.

She is also hopeful that the project will continue to resonate with listeners due to the relatability.

“I see these songs as stepping stones in my career. I want this album to open new doors for me, not only within the reggae space, but across the music industry as a whole. As both an artiste and a songwriter, I hope this release helps me reach audiences in multiple countries and allows me to build a genuine, loyal fan base,” she added.

Dating back to her early years, Kiara’s love for music has grown with her; from songwriting in elementary school to saving lunch money in high school just to go to recording studios.

She started officially releasing music in 2022, marking a new chapter in her musical journey. Based in South Florida, the singer keeps her strong connection to Jamaica through her sound.

“My musical style is really all about making people feel good and want to move. I’ve always loved anything that gets people dancing. Pop music was actually the first genre I fell in love with; it just had that energy I connected with right away. As I got older I started diving into dancehall and reggae, and those sounds definitely became a part of who I am as an artist,” Kiara continued.

With her previously released tracks, including Love Galore, Ease and Calm and Glue, Kiara is looking forward to the next steps, continuing promotion of the album and anticipating live performances, along with songwriting opportunities for herself as well as other artistes.

“This next chapter is all about growth, exposure, and taking things to the next level. I’m ready for it all. It’s really just about blowing up and staying true to who I am while doing it,” she stated.

On Sunday, August 24, the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, came alive with the staging of Unstoppable, a fund-raising showcase of the 2025 singing summer intensive performers from singer Tessanne Chin’s Voice Box ensemble.

Hosted by the Tessanne Chin Foundation, the event featured children ages six to 18 years old, who danced and sang along to some Jamaican and international hit songs.

A medley of Tony Rebel’s Sweet Jamaica and Eric Donaldson’s 1978 Festival Song contest winner Land of My Birth was impressively presented while moving through tight choreography.

Their interpretation of Believer by Imagine Dragons, Something Inside (So Strong), a 1987 anti-apartheid song by Labi Siffre, Justin Timberlake’s chart-topper Can’t Stop the Feeling, Danish duo Junior Senior’s 2002 hit
Move Your Feet, and Sia’s Unstoppable were also well-received.

Miss Jamaica World 2005 and art enthusiast Terri-Karelle Johnson was among the members of the audience who enjoyed the production.

“I don’t think that there’s a word that can adequately describe what we just experienced. To create a space for youngsters to discover their craft, to have their craft. I’ve seen children starting out who were not confident and then to see their personalities and how bright and beautiful they are, it’s clear that Jamaica isn’t lacking in talent. We just need more spaces like this. I was a 10 out of 10,” Johnson told the Jamaica Observer shortly after the production, which featured 48 cast members, came to an end.

Liane Williams, choreographer (dance, instruction and movement), said the children had about nine days of practice.

“The children really stepped up to the plate. From when they started the first day; they were so keen. They practised even when it was a little challenging, and they had nine days to learn the songs and practise the movements while singing. My heart is so full and I’m so proud of them,” said Williams.

“Absolutely amazing,” said parent Natalie Fagan, whose 13-year-old daughter Raine is a part of the production. “It always blows me away when I sit and watch the young talent. I enjoyed it.”

Coleen Lewis, who decided to check out the production after dropping off two friends at the event, said she too was impressed by the performances of the children.

“What I enjoyed most was their enthusiasm. All of the young people, from the smallest to the oldest. and I was truly impressed by that,” said Lewis.

For organiser Tessanne Chin, the objective was to highlight that children can work towards something incredible.

“The overall aim was to show that with a clear goal and vision, hard work and dedication, that children ages 6-18, can work towards something incredible and that they did. And it is also our aim to continue to provide in the summer intensive, safe, creative, supportive and transformative space for children who love the arts, to continue training and just hone their craft, if it’s just for two short weeks,” Chin told the Observer.

“I’m feeling incredibly proud, so just blown away by how these children just rose to this occasion. If you saw them, how focused they are, how hard they trained, how dedicated they were, how much it meant to them. It gives you a different appreciation and understanding about what they were able to achieve. And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible teachers, who were instrumental in making this amazing,” said Chin.

She also shared that the assistance of corporate partners including Lasco, Tastee, Digicel Foundation, and GraceKennedy helped in bringing the production to life.

Voice Box’s Christmas production is scheduled for December 6 and 7 at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.

Jamaica’s 2025 Festival Song winner Abi-D, heads to New York for an exciting series of live performances and media appearances this Labour Day weekend, Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, taking Jamaican culture to the heart of the Diaspora.

The dynamic singer kicked off her engagements in The Big Apple on Friday, August 29, with an exclusive interview and live performance on PIX 11 TV, introducing her infectious sound to a wider international audience. She ended that day by bringing her signature energy to The Outside Lounge Carnival Party in Queens, New York, setting the tone for a weekend of Caribbean celebration.

On Saturday, August 30, fans got the chance to meet the rising star up close during a special community meet and greet at VP Records on Jamaica Avenue, followed by another electrifying performance.

The momentum continues on Sunday, August 31, when Abi-D takes the stage at Reggae On The Avenue (ROTA) on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn — one of the most highly anticipated cultural events of the weekend. She will also have the opportunity to spread her music to a wider audience with appearances and interviews on popular radio stations Hot 97.1 FM and Roadblock Radio CBS, 101 FM.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange hailed the initiative as a significant cultural milestone: “This is more than a performance, it’s an opportunity to deepen the connection between Jamaica and our Diaspora... [W]e are proud to have her represent Jamaica on such a prominent platform. This tour demonstrates the power of our culture to unite and inspire people everywhere.”

This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), underscores Jamaica’s commitment to elevating its cultural ambassadors on the world stage.

Reggae artiste Fyah Konkarah is taking a lot of flak from his male friends for his latest single, Granted, a catchy song which addresses the age-old cardinal sin of relationships where one partner fails to properly appreciate the other, especially as a result of over familiarity.

"The man dem a bun mi out for this one, but the girls dem love it because the song de pon their side, so dem automatically love it. The man dem a say mi de pon the woman dem side too much so mi ah get a mixed reaction from them. Dem want ah song representing the male side because according to them, 'the woman dem wicked'," Fyah Konkarah said.

The song, the lead single from his recently-released Granted EP, is inspired by his personal experiences.

"The song itself came from my life personally, taking my woman for granted cause my relationship to fail, whether you go back together or not, so mi go through it. With me, it was not a bun thing, is like over familiarity, mi nah carry her out, drop by with lunch and do the simple things the women ‘apprecilove’, and that's why Granted is so powerful," he added.

The six-track Granted EP, produced by Ghost Entertainment, is a smooth blend of Afrobeat rhythms and heartfelt storytelling.

"Every track captures a different side of relationships — from love and passion to disappointment and personal growth. It's a perfect soundtrack for late-night vibes, summer drives, and dancing under the stars," he eplained. The EP features standout songs such as “Radio”, “Señorita”, and “Switch-Up".

Emerging from the community of St Johns Road in Spanish Town, St Catherine—an area long troubled by violence and hardship—Fyah Konkarah's love for music began at 9-years-old, influenced by icons such as Bob Marley, Papa San, Lieutenant Stitchie, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Sizzla, Bushman, and Daddy Screw.

These voices inspired him to begin writing his own lyrics and shaping a style that fused deejaying with deep-rooted cultural messages.

In 2004, tragedy struck with the death of his cousin Mike, a turning point that led Fyah Konkarah to embrace Rastafarianism. This spiritual awakening deepened his lyrical focus, giving him a mission beyond entertainment: to uplift the people and spread consciousness.

His first official release came in 2008 with “Ganja” alongside “Potential” on the Ghetto Party riddim.

In 2017, Fyah Konkarah linked up with Farie Pimpin Records, marking the start of an important new chapter. That same year, he and fellow artist Nitty Kutchy launched their “Never Giving Up” European promotional tour, traveling through Belgium, Amsterdam, and Zurich, Switzerland.

He dropped his debut album D.R.E.A.M., in collaboration with Ghost Entertainment and Kyllah Fam, in 2022.

Known as “The Scaaachy One,” Konkarah has become a rising voice of strength, unity, and truth, and a soldier of Rastafari whose music reflects both his struggles and his triumphs.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Plié for the Arts is bringing the world to Jamaica’s stage with the return of its flagship dance gala, Amalgamation 2025.

Fans of retro music are in for a treat on Saturday, August 30, with another staging of the popular retro party series Footloose.

For almost 20 years Footloose has been one of those events that provides nostalgia to patrons seeking to relive the hits of the past.

The event, promoted by Broadway Productions, is set for Sabina Park and is sponsored by Stones Ginger Wine.

“Patrons can expect the usual great vibes, non-stop energy and hits after hits,” promoter Tyrone Dixon told the Jamaica Observer.

Dubbed the Bright Colours edition, Stones Ginger Wine Footloose will see an impressive cadre of DJs spinning the hits while creating a musical euphoria to keep patrons entertained.

Ladies are “2 for 1” before 11:00pm and there will be Stones Ginger Wine deals all night.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange has announced plans to introduce certification courses for music industry practitioners.

“We are planning to introduce courses… so you can, in fact, get certification in the areas in which you are involved, such as artiste management, because your experience counts and can be taken into account as credit… for you to be formally certified,” Grange said.

She was speaking during a ‘Music Mastery: Empowering The Sound Industry’ workshop, held recently at the ministry’s Trafalgar Road offices in New Kingston.

The workshop, hosted by Headline Entertainment, was aimed at equipping creatives with the knowledge, tools, and professional networks needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving music landscape.

“It [was] really our pleasure to make the space available to Headline to do this very important workshop… and we are happy to [have been] partners in this effort. Some of us, we love the business, and we learn through experience, but it’s important that we continue to enrich our knowledge so that we can even be better at what we are doing,” Minister Grange stated.

Four key thematic areas guided the day’s sessions. These covered practical business and financial tools for the modern music professional; creative skill-building in production and cultural expression; collaboration etiquette, intellectual property rights and legal frameworks; and the impact of emerging technologies on music distribution.